Is your child due to start secondary school in September 2020? If so, you have just over a month to apply for a secondary school place for them.



That means children born between 1 September 2008 and 31 August 2009 will be making the big step next year and you only have until Thursday 31 October to apply.



Late applications mean parents are much less likely to secure a place for their child at their preferred school.



Councillor Evelyn Carpenter, Cabinet Member for Educational Attainment and School Improvement said: “This is an important part of any young person’s life and this decision could make a huge impact on their future.



“I highly recommend that you visit as many schools as possible and consider your options carefully to make sure your make the right preferences. Nine out of 10 of our schools in Barking and Dagenham are rated good to outstanding and more of our young people are heading to university.”



You can apply for your child’s place online and make sure you remember to use all six preferences.



However, if you need some help, there will be sessions every Tuesday at Dagenham Library and every Thursday at Barking Library, from 9am to 4pm. These sessions will run from Tuesday 3 September to Thursday 31 October.